Person centred care in the radiography curriculum- the patients perceptions of undergoing radiotherapy

Sonyia McFadden, Alan O'Neil, Terri Flood, Sharon Guille, C Oliveira, Barbara Barbosa, Antonio Soares, Mr Kyle Muscat, Mr Bartosz Bak, Patricia Mc Clure, Ciara Hughes

Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterpeer-review

Abstract

Introduction: Person Centred Practice (PCP) in healthcare entails keeping the person in the centre of decision making. It includes the core values of respect, authenticity, shared autonomy, respect for the persons abilities and preferences, understanding, therapeutically caring and a commitment to healthfulness as an outcome. A high level of care is vital in the professional practice of Therapeutic Radiographers/Radiation Therapists (RT/RTTs) to ensure quality of care and patient safety. This study aimed to assess the patient’s perception of their experience whilst undergoing Radiotherapy (RT).
Methodology: Ethical permission was obtained from Ulster University, Belfast, UK. Phase 1 consisted of a previously published survey the Person-centred Practice Inventory for Service Users. In phase 2 online and face to face interviews were conducted with radiotherapy patients across UK, Portugal, and Malta. Patients >18years currently receiving, or had received radiotherapy within the last 24 months, were included in the study. Descriptive statistics were performed with eh aid of SPSS whilst thematic analysis was performed with the aid of NVivo.
Results: Patients mainly felt that TRs had the required competencies to listen, understand and communicate compassionately with them during their treatment however, variations in practice occurred across countries. The core values of the patient were respected however further work is required to ensure shared autonomy for patients and more flexibility to accommodate patient ability and preferences. Psychosocial support was highly regarded by patients who expressed a desire for further information communicated from their TRs at the end of their radiotherapy treatment.
Discussion: It is necessary to ensure that TR/RTTs develop the necessary interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence that enable them to adopt the best patient care. TR/RTTs’ education must provide them with advanced communication skills and an understanding of patient psychology. Some of these skills can also be reinforced through continuous professional development.
Implications for practice: This study highlights that whilst some aspects of ‘Psychosocial Wellbeing’ are beyond the control of the TR/RTT, they can implement actions to help patients improve their experience.

Original languageEnglish
Pages1
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished online - 15 Dec 2022
EventISRRT 2022 - Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
Duration: 15 Dec 202217 Dec 2022

Conference

ConferenceISRRT 2022
Country/TerritoryThailand
CityBangkok
Period15/12/2217/12/22

Keywords

  • care
  • radiotherapy
  • patient

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